Query a skier or snowboarder about their favourite mountain and you’ll quickly find it’s akin to asking them to choose a favourite child.
Answers can get long and detailed, largely because favourites are ultimately determined by skill (‘they’re all unique in their own ways’).
Are you a borderline professional skier? Is it your first time? Are you skiing as a couple or as a group? These are the factors that determine which mountain is going to tick the boxes.
For this reason we vow to never list a ski town as ‘the best’. However when it comes to Sun Peaks, with its approachable size and varied runs they’ve made crowd-pleasing a top priority.
The best part? It’s not even that crowded.
Here’s 3 reasons why we love it so…
It’s The Village Where Everyone Knows Your Name
A ski holiday should feel just like that… a holiday. And if it’s done right you’ll finish every ski completely energised, tired (but in a good way) and addicted to doing it all again the next day.
Though for many travellers and first-timers it can be a daunting undertaking.
We get it — first you have to know where to rent the gear, then you mightn’t even be sure what to ask for, then you have to book lessons and then there’s the issue of actually getting to the piste from your hotel. When it’s cold outside and you feel a little shaky on your feet, the temptation to say ‘forget it’ and stay snuggled up in the hotel can be alluring.
However, Sun Peaks has been designed with everything practically on your doorstep so the barrier for entry is invitingly low. There are two major ski rental outlets (Elevation and McSporties) next door to the ski-valet (available when you stay at Sun Peaks Grand) and you can pick up a latte on the way through at Tod Mountain Cafe, only a few steps across the street.
From there it’s a short amble to the lift and away you go.
Don’t be surprised to see the same skiers every morning as you shunt your skis towards the runs. The tight community energy filters down to the tourists so even though you’re all from different parts of the globe, you can’t help but make friends and buddy up with strangers.
You’ve Got A Choice Between 3 Mountains (Tod, Sundance, Morrissey) & More Than Enough Runs To Challenge Even The Most Advanced Skier
Sun Peaks is the second largest ski area in Canada and judging by the amount of runs they’ve got on offer we’d say that’s a pretty fair call. Three mountains to choose from essentially equals more space and much shorter lift wait times, to the point that even on the busiest days you won’t wait longer than 5 minutes to catch a ride.
Not Into Skiing? No Worries
It’s a strange and bizarre fact of life that not every person on the planet will be into skiing or snowboarding (we kid, we actually know a few of these people and they’re totally normal).
Nordic Skiing (booked at the Village Day Lodge) is a great compromise for those travellers and it’s big business at Sun Peaks. There are over 37 kilometres of smoothly groomed flat runs to explore, you’ll get to experience the beauty of being amongst the snow and trees without the fear of slipping down any steep slopes.
The Moonlight Snowshoe and S’mores Tour is another great adventure experience that’s family friendly, a little spooky and a lot of fun.
This 2 hour trip starts at dusk and journeys around the foothills of Mt Morrissey while your guide points out animal tracks and spills stories from rescuing foolhardy skiers who’ve explored a little too far off-piste. Finally the tour culminates at a hut with a roaring fire where you’ll roast s’mores (chocolate pieces and roasted marshmallow smooshed between a cracker) and sip hot apple cider.
And if you’d like to give skiing a go but aren’t too sure on where to start, simply head to the Village Day Lodge, near the Sunburst Chairlift — we know it feels like everything in Sun Peaks revolves around this lift but that kind of convenience becomes pretty comforting when you don’t have to constantly slip your skis on and off.
Here you can make a booking at the ski school which occasionally takes drop-ins for casual lessons but best make a booking 24-hours before to avoid missing out.
Quick Tips
Where To Stay:
We booked into the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, which boasts one of the most central locations in town as well as a choice between standard hotel rooms for couples and one and two bedroom condos for groups. Essentially you can indulge as much in the hotel as you like (including all the spa amenities) or feel completely at home, cooking meals in your fully-stocked kitchen.
Wi-Fi comes complimentary (and is surprisingly strong).
3240 Village Way, Sun Peaks, BC V0E 5N0, Canada
+1 250-578-6000
Where To Eat?:
Warm, inviting and perfect for sharing tales from the trails, Bella Italia is the kind of restaurant that specialises in generous portions that taste as though they were cooked up by a jolly Italian nonna that thinks you’re not eating enough. This is also a group booking favourite and the staff are used to long, rambunctious celebrations.The wine list features a number of excellent drops from the Lake Okanagan region, so if you’re visiting from overseas, ask your waiter to walk you through their favourites and taste test the best Canadian vintages.
3170 Creekside Way, Sun Peaks, BC V0E 5N0, Canada
+1 250-434-0282
Oya Japanese is a popular spot and with only about 8 tables indoors so competition to get a booking can be fierce. This isn’t the place to come for large groups, however, if you’re hankering for some hand rolled Nigiri as you come straight off the slopes you won’t be disappointed.
#230 3170 Creekside Way, Heffley Creek, BC V0E 1Z1, Canada
+1 250-578-0048
Where To Take A Break Mid-Ski:
Much of the snacking revolved around the popular Sunburst Express Chairlift. The unfortunately named Bottoms (located, funnily enough, at the bottom of the chairlift) is a constantly humming hub full of post-piste revellers. However, if you fancy a snack mid-run, ski your way towards the Sunburst Lodge at the top of the lift and refuel on one of their world famous hot cinnamon rolls before venturing back out.
